Choose the correct answer :
Maximum water holding capacity is possessed by which kind of soil ?

Options

A. Silt
B. Sand
C. Clay
D. Gravel

Answer

To determine which type of soil possesses the maximum water holding capacity, we can analyze the characteristics of different soil types based on their particle sizes. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand Soil Types
There are various types of soil, primarily categorized based on the size of their particles. The main types mentioned are:
- Clay
- Silt
- Sand
- Gravel

### Step 2: Analyze Particle Size
- **Clay**: Composed of very fine particles.
- **Silt**: Has fine particles, but they are larger than clay particles.
- **Sand**: Contains coarse particles, larger than both clay and silt.
- **Gravel**: Made up of larger stones and has the largest particle size among the four.

### Step 3: Relate Particle Size to Water Holding Capacity
The water holding capacity of soil is influenced by the size of the soil particles:
- **Clay**: Due to its very fine particles, clay has very small air spaces which allows it to hold water effectively.
- **Silt**: Holds water but not as effectively as clay.
- **Sand**: Has larger particles and larger air spaces, leading to poor water retention.
- **Gravel**: With the largest particles, it has the least water holding capacity.

### Step 4: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, clay soil has the maximum water holding capacity because its fine particles create small air spaces that can retain water effectively.

### Final Answer
The correct answer is **C. Clay**.

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